Towards a unified EV Interoperability testing infrastructure
The interoperability between different electromobility devices is key to make charging and other services available to consumers at opportune prices. The integration of EVs into the (smart) grid requires electromobility solutions compatible with electric network management procedures. In addition, technology interoperability across providers and countries is needed for efficient interactions, so that they can plan their market approach in the best way and contribute consistently to the regulatory framework. The increased and improved interoperability will push the deployment of EVs in Europe. The EU-funded COTEVOS (Concepts, capacities and methods for Testing EV systems and their interoperability within the smart grids) project developed plans and schemes for the assessment, validation and certification of the interoperability of electromobility systems. The interoperability assessment infrastructure has been developed from a business standpoint: the testing services have to be profitable. COTEVOS provides methods and procedures to test, analyse and simulate the impact of EV integration in the power grid, helping assess and solve potential issues regarding the suitability of the available protocols and standards. The COTEVOS testing environments allow technology providers to demonstrate that their new products do really fulfil the expected features and to improve their designs at different stages of the development process. Project deliverables, most of them available at COTEVOS website, present in detail the path and findings of the developed work, such as: the analysis of the state of the art and the identification of needs; the situation, needs and gaps according to the standardization bodies and the relevant industry stakeholders, the design of a common laboratory reference architecture and the different COTEVOS’ infrastructures; the testing procedures and the multiple interoperability tests carried out by the partners; the vision of the exploitation of interoperability assessment services according to EU priorities and market expectations; etc. COTEVOS’ last deliverable is the White Book on “Business Opportunities for Interoperability Assessment of EV Integration”, where the whole way and vision from the needs to the strategic approach are described. COTEVOS was in permanent contact with a large number of stakeholders: Around 400 contacts (mainly OEMs, DSOs, Electro Mobility Service Providers, Charging Station Operators, Laboratories and R&D stakeholders) have been regularly informed about the work progress and results achieved, as well as invited to participate in the Workshops, the Industry Summit and the Interoperability PlugtestTM in ISPRA, with strong support from the JRC. The interaction and exchange of information with the main actors has been the basis to place COTEVOS in the focus of EV integration in the smart grid in the international ground. COTEVOS had 11 partners from 9 member states and 3 third parties, one of them from the USA.
Keywords
Interoperability assessment, unified laboratory infrastructure, conformance testing, electric vehicle, smart grid, reference testing architecture, electromobility
